A Traveller’s Guide to Choosing the Best Seasonal Festivals
A Traveller’s Guide to Choosing the Best Seasonal Festivals
Want to plan a trip the whole family will actually remember?
One of the best ways to achieve this is by attending seasonal festivals. They have culture, food, music and adventure all bundled up in one neat trip. The tricky part is…
There are thousands of choices. Choosing becomes a job itself.
But here’s the good news…
In this post you’ll learn precisely how to select which seasonal festival is best suited for your travel preferences, your budget and your group.
Let’s jump in!
Here’s what’s coming up:
- Why Seasonal Festivals Are Worth The Trip
- How To Pick The Right Festival For You
- What To Look For In A Family-Friendly Festival
- Top Tips For Festival Travel Planning
Why Seasonal Festivals Are Worth The Trip
Festivals are no longer just for music fans in their twenties.
Festival kids have become festivals being taken on as family holidays. A new Ticketmaster report says 73% of parents believe festivals beat traditional holidays when it comes to exposing kids to new cultures. That’s a massive shift in mentality.
And the numbers back it up…
More than half of festival-goers in the UK (51%) already attend festivals with family. Whether that’s younger siblings or older relatives, or (15%) both.
This shift has changed what festivals look like today. You’ll find:
- Kid-friendly zones with crafts and games
- Indoor soft play areas for younger children
- Camping pitches designed for families
- Quiet hours so little ones can sleep
Take for instance events in Shropshire for example. You’ll notice seasonal festivals have evolved to incorporate outdoor pursuits with indoor soft play, food vendors, live bands and family entertainment under one roof. Exactly why these types of activities tend to appeal to all ages.
Festivals allow you to experience a culture from that area like your hotel will never be able to. You can taste the food, listen to local music, and meet the people who make it possible.
That’s hard to beat.
How To Pick The Right Festival For You
Here’s the thing about choosing a festival…
Not all events will be your cup of tea. Choosing the wrong event will instantly sour a holiday. So before you book, run through this short checklist.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Who is coming on the trip with you?
- What season works best for your schedule?
- How far are you willing to travel?
- What’s your overall budget?
- Do you want camping or hotel stays?
The answers should quickly narrow down your choices. A family of five with young children will need something very different than two friends in their 30’s.
Consider the season itself. Spring celebrations often incorporate blossoms, agriculture and new beginnings. Summer ones utilize music and outdoor activities. Fall hosts harvest, food and Halloween-inspired gatherings. Winter focuses on lights, markets and everything Christmas.
Seasons all have different vibes. Choose whichever vibes with you.
What To Look For In A Family-Friendly Festival
Family travel is huge at the moment. Approximately 60–70% of global leisure trips now involve children or extended family members, so festivals are increasingly catering for them.
But not every festival that claims to be family-friendly actually is.
Here’s what to look for before booking…
Easy Access And Parking
If you can’t get to it easily, you won’t enjoy a festival. Check parking facilities, public transport access and distance you’ll have to walk with prams/bags/small children etc.
The best festivals have it figured out. Dedicated family parking. Short distances from car to entrance.
Activities For All Ages
The best family festivals have something going on for every age group.
It translates to indoor soft play for the toddlers, craft tents for primary-aged children and live entertainment/music or food experiences for adults. If everyone has something to keep them entertained the entire journey is easier.
Indoor soft play is amazing. It allows toddlers to run around stress free, and allows adults to sit down for 5 minutes.
(And honestly, that matters more than you’d think.)
Food Options That Work For Kids
Kids are picky. That’s not news.
A good festival will have food vendors that offer more than gourmet hamburgers and craft beer. Find ones with children’s menus, allergy-conscious fare, and tables to sit at.
Toilets, Bins And Practical Stuff
It sounds dull but planning is what makes or breaks a trip. Read reviews about:
- Clean toilet facilities
- Baby changing areas
- First aid stations
- Lost child meeting points
You’ll thank yourself later.
Top Tips For Festival Travel Planning
Ok, now onto the planning aspect. Here are some tips that will help you eliminate loads of stress.
Book Early
People generally begin booking festivals around June. Book late and you’ll pay exorbitant prices or not get in at all.
Major festivals sell out within minutes. Smaller ones book quickly once they’re known.
Pack Smart
You don’t have to bring your whole home with you, but a couple essentials can really go a long way. Items that will:
- Layers for changing weather
- Wellies for muddy fields
- Reusable water bottles
- Snacks for picky eaters
- A backup phone charger
Check The Lineup Carefully
Don’t pay attention to the big names. Half the fun is found in the small acts. Attendees often claim the best parts of any festival are the things they happened to stumble upon.
Plan For The Drive Home
This is what most people overlook. You’re going to be exhausted after a weekend away camping at a festival. You’ll probably be muddy and hungry too. Map out your journey home with a food stop, and don’t drive late at night.
Bringing It All Together
Seasonal festivals are one of the most rewarding ways to travel.
There’s culture, music, food and adventure on tap. And they’re so often kid-friendly these days, you needn’t leave your youngsters at home.
To quickly recap how to pick the right one:
- Know who you’re travelling with
- Match the season to the mood you want
- Activities suitable for all ages (indoors soft play area for toddlers)
- Check the practical stuff before booking
- Book early to lock in the best deals
A great festival should leave you with lifelong memories. Choose wisely and you will reminisce about it for years to come.
Now go grab those tickets!
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